SilkAir announces upgrades in SIA merger plan

SilkAir will undergo a major cabin product upgrade as part of a planned merger Into parent company Singapore Airlines (SIA). The merger plan is a multi-year initiative which will proceed when the upgrades are well advanced. SilkAir is a wholly owned subsidiary of SIA, currently operating the Group’s regional services.

Cabin product upgrade – details & timeline

The programme includes an investment of over SG$100 million.

Upgrade

Business Class cabins with new lie-flat seats

Installation of seat-back in-flight entertainment systems for both Business Class and Economy Class

These changes will ensure closer product and service consistency across the SIA Group’s full-service network.

Timeline

Upgrading will start in 2020 subject to lead times required by seat suppliers as well as complete certification processes.

The merger will take place when sufficient aircraft have been fitted with the new cabin products.

More details, including specific dates, will be announced progressively.

As part of SIA Group’s network optimisation SilkAirwill see transfers of routes and aircraft between the different airlines in the Group. The airline currently operates a fleet of 11 Airbus A320-family aircraft, 22 Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft. It is currently transitioning to an all-737 fleet serving 49 destinations across16 countries.

Singapore Airlines is currently one year into the three-year Transformation Programme.

…. Importantly, it will be positive for our customers. It is another example of the major investment we are making to ensure that our products and services continue to lead the industry across short, medium and long-haul routes. SIA CEO, Goh Choon Phong

SilkAir was launched in 1989 as Tradewinds the Airline, flying to holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. Renamed SilkAir in 1992, the airline expanded progressively across Asia. Since then, it has evolved from a holiday resort airline to a full-fledged, full-service regional carrier.

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